Why Drunk Drivers Cause Accidents

A driver who is operating a motor vehicle while he or she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs places not only him or herself but everyone on the road at risk. In Las Vegas, this means that the many drivers on the road and the thousands of pedestrians walking along the strip may be at risk of being injured by a drunk driver. These accidents may be relatively minor or may be severe, causing catastrophic injuries or the wrongful death of a victim.

A drunk driver is more likely to cause a car accident for various reasons. Alcohol and controlled substances, including “street drugs” as well as prescription medication, may impair the performance of motor and mental functions. Cognitive skills, eyesight, hand-eye coordination, information processing by the brain, reaction time and overall behavior may all be affected. This means that a drunk driver is not only more likely to cause an accident but that he or she may be virtually unable to avoid an accident when placed in a hazardous situation (i.e. an obstacle or pedestrian in the road, a sudden change in traffic, etc.)

There are various factors that will determine just how impaired a drunk driver may be. Weight, diet, gender and the amount of alcohol a driver has had will all influence impairment of motor skills and mental function, the factors that place a drunk driver at a higher risk of causing an accident. In Nevada, a driver is considered to be illegally “under the influence” if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater, or if his or her normal abilities are impaired by alcohol or drugs. The driver may face criminal charges for this behavior, and the victim of a drunk driving accident may also have grounds for a civil lawsuit.

If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver in the Las Vegas area, take a moment to discuss your options with a personal injury attorney. De Castroverde Law Group is here to offer you the personalized, compassionate legal help you need.